بایگانی‌های Fresh

Introduction

Current films have struggled to address the modern-day realities of relationship dynamics. Sophie Brooks’ Oh, Hi! might exaggerate the details for the sake of entertainment, but the story’s basis is a skewering of dating, romance, sex, and expectations.

Synopsis

Molly Gordon stars as Iris, a young woman going on her first weekend getaway with her boyfriend Isaac (Logan Lerman). While everything begins idyllic, including some light bondage during a sexual encounter, Iris mentions their status as a couple, which Isaac rejects. Apoplectic, Iris leaves Isaac chained to the bed and goes to another part of the house to ruminate.

Logan Lerman and Molly Gordon in ‘Oh, Hi!” (2025). Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Following a phone call with her mother (Polly Draper), Iris attempts to convince Isaac to stay with her for the next 12 hours while he is chained. As Iris tries everything in her power to keep Isaac in a relationship he didn’t know he was in, she enlists the help of her best friend, Max (Geraldine Viswanathan), who brings along her boyfriend, Kenny (John Reynolds). As they face the true implications of their actions, Iris attempts to reconcile and recontextualize the reality of her and Isaac’s relationship.

Themes

Brooks and Gordon (who receive a story credit) are not in the business of having the right answers for any party. Outside of the actual kidnapping aspect, who is actually to blame for their status as a couple is always in question. Iris correctly points out arbitrary “boyfriend” things Isaac has done for her, while Isaac correctly states their relationship has never been formalized.

On the flip side, Iris is jumping to very large conclusions while Isaac cannot be that oblivious to the reality of their situation. Neither character gets an easy out. It’s all presented with this tightrope walk of lunacy and pragmatism.

Out of context, Iris performing an interpretive dance she did as a child for a chained Isaac seems like crazy behavior. Nonetheless, Iris just wants the ease and romance they experienced in their first few hours to continue, no matter the cost. It’s only with the arrival of Max and Kenny that Iris recognizes the severity and insanity of her actions. It somehow also never strays from comedy.

Jokes about going to jail, or even the possibility of murdering Isaac, are mentioned, but there is no actual threat of real harm. The lack of severity in the threats doesn’t make the film predictable. It’s the exact opposite. Your mind concocts several scenarios, and Brooks leads it to a satisfying conclusion.

Cast

Gordon, who has shot to stardom as a writer, director, and performer, delivers her best performance. She completely inhabits Iris’ ideals of romance and desire, while switching to levels of instability and unpredictability without betraying her characterization. It’s her most complex work, and she shares a balanced chemistry with each of her scene partners.

Viswanathan-Gordon-Oh-Hi — Geraldine Viswantahan and Molly Gordon in “Oh, Hi!” (2025). Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Lerman, who seemed doomed to typecasting as the young, sensitive man, plays wonderfully against type. While he is by no means a creep or a deviant, he smartly subverts the expectations of his previous film roles to deliver a solid comedic performance.

It takes a while for Viswanathan to show up, but she is an always-welcome sight. Similarly, her chemistry with Reynolds is one of longstanding trust, which is difficult to convey in the short time span the film allows. Reynolds also has some hilarious line readings with a dry delivery. David Cross also shows up briefly as a particularly odd, but continually funny neighbor to the house.

Conclusion

Oh, Hi! is a breezy watch for the new generation of 20 and 30-year-olds attempting to navigate modern relationships. It might not be the deepest of films, but the tone will be a big hit for those who are currently in that world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_IEVF0GQPk